Enviromental, socio-cultural and economical effects of ecotourism perceived by the local people in the northwestern Turkey: Kiyiköy case

In the study, examining the ecotourism opportunities in Kiyiköy town of Vize district of Kirklareli province situated on the northwestern Turkey, the awareness of the local people and their roleexpectations in this subject have been determined and the perceptions of the local people towards the environmental, socio-cultural and economical effects of ecotourism have been exposed. In this study, the relationship between socio-cultural and economic impacts and local people support for tourism are examined. In parallel with this purpose, it was aimed at looking for an answer to questions of: "what might be the effects of ecotourism in the rural area?" and "what would be the opinions and contributions of the local people regarding the creation and development of ecotourism?" The judgments of the local people towards effects of ecotourism were explored through survey method and factor analysis was conducted. As a result of the study, it was revealed that the area has significant ecotourism potential and the local people have a positive attitude towards ecotourism planning to be developed. Six factors influencing ecotourism were determined at the end of the factor analysis. © 2011 Academic Journals.